The wooded hillsides of a dairy farm in northeast Iowa provided my first experiences in land conservation and forest management. The local 4-H program gave me the knowledge and skills necessary for success at Iowa State. I earned a BS degrees in Forest Management and Education. Summer internships with the Waterloo Iowa Forestry Department and the Iowa Extension Education Service added to my commitment to provide the best advice for the care of the urban landscape. In 1987, I moved to Maryland, started my career with Bartlett Tree Experts as a ground man and within three years I was a foreman and began using my knowledge to advice clients on care for their landscape. Professional skills development continues through numerous industry educational seminars. I currently have certifications as a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert, ISA Certified Arborist and Maryland and District of Columbia Certified Pesticide Applicator. The most enjoyable part of my day is meeting with my clients to assist them in making decisions for the health, safety, and care of their landscape.

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What Our Customers Are Saying About Christopher Larkin

Very impressed with the whole process, from first call to work performed. I will definitely use Bartlett again in the future.
Linda C., Silver Spring, MD

Chris Larkin is a very knowledgeable arborist. He has given me excellent advice on numerous occasions. I trust his recommendations completely. I am a satisfied customer.
Janet , Adelphi, MD

"The crew leader remembered pruning my tree eight years ago. He listened to my concerns and it was reflected by the outstanding work that was completed. The other two workers did an outstanding job on a smaller tree in my backyard. I also want to thank Chris Larkin for walking my property with me, providing fast responses for both getting the proposal and modifying it somewhat after a follow-up phone call. I like working with Chris and look forward to meeting him again next Spring.
Curtis S., Silver Spring, MD

I felt the representative was honest and not trying to sell me services I did not need. The holly bush on the lawn still looks a little straggly though.
Tina H., Silver Spring, MD

The crew who trimmed the Maple tree in the back yard was efficient, did their work quickly, with expertise. They even trimmed a dead branch from the Leyland Cypress tree that was not on the work order. Mr. Larkin was able to recommend a spray product for the boxwoods in the back of the house to stop the scale problem which was killing the boxwoods. A Bartlett Tree technician came out rather quickly to apply the necessary spray product. I am a very satisfied customer.
Janet L., Adelphi, MD

Chris Larkin was instrumental in helping us obtain our tree removal permit in Takoma Park by personally speaking with the city arborist. We could not be more pleased with him and the work of the crew that removed our tree.
Kenneth Q., Takoma Park, MD

We are very happy with Christopher Larkin. He answers emails promptly and has always correctly diagnosed problems we are having. Service has always been very good.
David L., Silver Spring, MD

Fantastic workers. Thank you all for the years of reliable service and great workmanship. Sorry to be leaving the area. Will recommend Bartlett and Chris Larkin to new property owners.
Nancy S., Silver Spring, MD

You promised artists to trim our trees and you certainly delivered. They did a fabulous job.
Kathleen M., Hyattsville, MD

Christopher explains things so we can understand our particular landscape without being confused. We appreciate that Mike calls us before arriving, also that he takes time to answer any concerns with patience. I liked the card that's was left on the front door after the a job is done.
Doris S., Washington, DC

Always glad to see the Bartlett truck in front of my house, It means my trees and shrubs are receiving the best possible health care. This translates into the improved safety and appearance of my home and other structures on the property.
Sherwood M., Silver Spring, MD

Try asking plumbing questions at Home Depot. Good luck. Expertise is hard to find, and there is no substitute for knowledge. I particularly enjoy Mr. Christopher Larkin's expertise. I value that Bartlett sends me an expert, not a salesman. This is my second time working with Mr. Larkin, and our work is ongoing. Great job.
Erich H., Washington, D.C.

All were professional and obviously competent, beginning with our Arborist, Chris Larkin. We appreciated his oversight visit during the day of work to ensure things were going smoothly and to see if we had any questions. At the end of the job, the crew chief walked us around the property to show what had been done, and why. They said they would be here between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., and they were at our door at 8:28 a.m. Very pleased. Julia T, Bowie, MD

We have had a wide variety of services performed this spring -- tree removal, stump grinding, soil analysis, fertilization, and tree spraying. Chris Larkin and his team are always professional, courteous, tidy, and knowledgeable&and they seem happy at their jobs. It speaks well of the company. We have dealt with Chris for years and find him to be a valued consultant for our garden. Bill K., Adelphi, MD

They removed a large Black Cherry tree with basal decay, removed one dead Elm tree, pruned a huge Black Cherry tree next to house (some of the crew said it might be one of the largest BC's in Maryland), and pruned a Pin Oak. They removed all wood and debris.

The crew was amazing. These trees were all near gardens, fences, houses, and a narrow but critical access road. Absolutely nothing was damaged during the work. A bucket truck was used and large trunk-sized branches were tied and lowered to the ground gently. A crane removed huge pieces of tree trunks. At one time, there were at least four large work trucks parked along side the road for this work, but the crew was careful to ensure that the road was always passable for car traffic while they were parked and working.

Two of the crew used ropes to climb into the large Black Cherry being trimmed. They made their way to the very tops and outreaches of this tree to do their work, and they too used ropes to gently lower larger pieces to the ground. Their work was so amazing that we brought chairs to the work site and watched in amazement nearly all day. We all took lots of pictures.

One aspect that I was very pleased to see is their use of personal safety equipment. The crew used ear, eye, and head protection at all times, and body and leg protection as well. From chatting with members of the crew, we learned they were all experienced in their trade. A supervisor with many years experience was always on site. In chatting with them, we learned that Bartlett is very safety cautious and has a routine for checking and replacing all equipment including the ropes used by the climbers. Every one of the crew were pleasant and professional.

After they left, there was very little evidence that they'd been here other than some sawdust around the trunk locations. There was no damage to the lawn and no dents or gulleys in the ground from falling branches due the manner in which they were removed. They raked up every twig in the yard and along the road where they had parked.

The only thing that could have been improved on slightly was office communication. We had also contracted to have some tree fertilization done and we were not sure when this was happening. Another employee came by about 10 days later and did that work, so all in all everything was done and we are very pleased. Beverly B., Bowie, MD

The company analyzed the soil, fed all the trees, and used a pesticide to kill the pests causing root damage. Bartlett recommended not removing the oak, but feeding the trees on the the property. Bartlett treated the oak for root damage caused by pests (ants and a woodpecker). However, before the treatment, the company analyzed the soil to ensure the correct treatment. Another tree service company suggested taking a large oak down because of root damage. I contacted Bartlett to get a second opinion. The fellow who came to assess the situation advised not removing the tree, but suggested feeding all trees on the property and treating the tree with root damage. I signed a contract and the treatment began. The tree with root damage responded well and the others have been fed. Bartlett performed the work on time and in a very professional manner. I am completely satisfied with their service. Brenda F., Silver Spring, MD

We have been long-time Bartlett clients. We have had the same arborist for many years, Chris Larkin. He knows our trees and property well. We trust him and pay close attention to his recommendations. Conversely, he listens carefully to our questions. The staff that has worked at our home over the years has been wonderful. They work carefully and with great expertise. We appreciate everything that has been done on our behalf. We enjoy a high level of trust with Bartlett. They have been very responsive to our needs. David and Gail, Silver Spring, MD

Chris Larkin has always been a wonderful person to work with; when we lost our tree in the last storm (not the derecho),the one after; I called on the Saturday when it happened and Chris returned my call that day, which I did not expect. Chris had a crew at our house early the next week. They did a great job. However, the person who really deserves special mention is Gilbert who came with the stump grinder and to maneuver it into our backyard, do the grinding, and then get it back out. He didn't lose a plant or ruin anything; our yard looks as if no one was here, except, the stump is gone. You have wonderful people working for you. Gail B., Silver Spring, MD

Chris Larkin was fabulous in explaining what needed to be done for my holly trees. The "tree guys" were very professional and did amazing work the pruning trees. Not one holly leaf was left for me to clean up. I will definitely use your company again if I need additional work. Thank you. Nancy S., Rockville, MD